MATS Snapshots

Lawrence · Mar 20, 2009

A picture speaks a thousand words.

While exhibits were down significantly - we had a great time in Louisville.

How about you?

ATeam · Mar 21, 2009

Very nice. Makes it more difficult to not be there.

TeamCaffee · Mar 21, 2009

The show has been pretty good so far for us. The crowds were very thin on Thursday so we were able to spend a little more quality time with the vendors we needed to talk to. On Friday the crowds picked up to what I considered a Thursday crowd for last year. Not as many trucks in the parking lots but the ones that are here are having a good time. I will try to get a few more pictures today if I can get around the strollers.

TeamCaffee · Mar 21, 2009

We also had a Friday evening BBQ and it turned a bit cool. We had several companies represtented - FedEx Custom Critical - Bolt - Polly Express - Express 1 - Panther and we had a new couple considering Expediting screen name mterrycrane

ATeam · Mar 21, 2009

Thank you for the photos. Even with fewer exhibitors and attendees, it still looks like the show would be a great time. Last year, it did not bother me a bit to miss the show. This year it does.

You spoke of less attendees meaning more quality time with the exhibitors. That got me to wondering, are the Hooters girls there this year?

On a more serious note, having visited by phone with someone who attended the FedEx Custom Critical breakfast, I am eager to hear all reports. This year's breakfast sounded more interesting than most.

I am especially interested to learn more about the year-end $50,000 retention bonus that was announced for married-couple owner-operator straight-truck teams that are accident free, have in-service numbers of 80 percent or higher, have held all White-Glove credentials for a year or more, are domiciled in a northern state, entered the fleet in June, 2006, operate trucks that have stars and stripes graphics on the cab and sleeper, have a weakness for ice cream, and enjoy quiet nights by the fireplace and long walks around the lake.

pjjjjj · Mar 21, 2009

Thanks for the pics you guys! Noting the names of those in the pics is especially appreciated TeamCaffee (cept can't tell which ones are which!)
That vigilante truck was interesting in Lawrence's pics!

pelicn · Mar 21, 2009

Thanks for the photos!! As much as I would love to be there, we got a run this weekend that could help salvage the month

bluejaybee · Mar 21, 2009

I was there, kinda, sorta. About noon on Tuesday with a delivery of stage lighting. I had no clue as to what show was fixing to happen. I did notice alot of trucks of all shapes forms and fashions. Guess I should have hung out there instead of going on to Indianapolis with a load.

piper1 · Mar 21, 2009

Definitely a smaller show but worth going. I missed seeing Terry but wow is that van nice!

Big news for me was the announcement of the new Cummins 11.9 liter ISX. Looks like a very interesting engine that will serve the 'D' market very well.

Talked to lots of folks about air conditioning, with battery technology getting so much better the battery powered systems are really coming on strong.

highway star · Mar 21, 2009

Phil, YES!! The Hooters girls were absolutely in the house! It was, possibly, the most crowded vendor exhibit.

I enjoyed seeing Leo, Lawrence(the new bumper sticker is already on the box!), Terry and a few others again. Got to meet a few new people, missed out on a few others. I had to work, so I missed out on the Friday night shindig. And, what a nightmare THAT turned into. I wish I'd have just partied!

ATeam · Mar 21, 2009

highway star said:
Phil, YES!! The Hooters girls were absolutely in the house! It was, possibly, the most crowded vendor exhibit.

I don't understand it. What do they have that show trucks don't?

highway star · Mar 21, 2009

Ahhh...

Umm...

I'm trying to picture your Volvo in hot pants...

Nahh... just doesn't work.

jaminjim · Mar 21, 2009

Less glare than truck head lights, and better fender skirts.

ATeam · Mar 21, 2009

Maybe you are on to something! Maybe we can stimulate the freight by putting truck drivers in hot pants.

pelicn · Mar 21, 2009

ATeam said:
Maybe you are on to something! Maybe we can stimulate the freight by putting truck drivers in hot pants.

YIKES! Now that's an image I didn't need this afternoon

cat can do · Mar 21, 2009

Please more pics. This is the first year in 5 that I have not been able to make to Louisville.

LDB · Mar 21, 2009

I liked the older trucks too.

MR.SNAPPY · Mar 21, 2009

Hey Leo, how about sharing the pic of the girl in the yellow jump suit that was painted on.it was so tight you could almost read the serial number on her.well never mind

TeamCaffee · Mar 22, 2009

Here are a few more pictures! Still never was a huge crowd and I wonder what the attendance will end up at. For us this had to be one of the best shows every as we were able to accomplish so much, spend time with friends and not be just worn out by fighting the crowds. The weather even turned out not to bad just chilly at night so perfect for sleeping.

pelicn · Mar 22, 2009

The picture of Sat afternoon, in an empty hall, is unbelievable! The 2 years that we worked the show, Sat was "snatch -n- grab, gimmee day, with no room to breathe.
Sure wish we could have made it this year.